2.4 Character flaws and growth

Character flaws and growth are essential elements in crafting compelling film narratives. These aspects humanize characters, drive plots, and create opportunities for meaningful development throughout a story.

Understanding different types of flaws, their purposes, and techniques for revealing them helps writers create multidimensional characters. Exploring growth arcs, catalysts for change, and pacing allows for dynamic character journeys that resonate with audiences.

Types of character flaws

• Character flaws are imperfections, shortcomings, or weaknesses that shape a character's personality, decisions, and relationships in a story
• Flaws humanize characters, making them more relatable and multidimensional, and often drive the plot by creating obstacles or conflicts for the character to navigate
• Understanding the different types of flaws and their impacts on the story is crucial for crafting compelling characters in film writing

Physical vs psychological flaws

Top images from around the web for Physical vs psychological flaws

• 

  Trait Theorists | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Character Flaw Reference Sheet by AnikaandAj on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Abnormal Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Trait Theorists | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Character Flaw Reference Sheet by AnikaandAj on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Physical vs psychological flaws

• 

  Trait Theorists | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Character Flaw Reference Sheet by AnikaandAj on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Abnormal Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Trait Theorists | Introduction to Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Character Flaw Reference Sheet by AnikaandAj on DeviantArt View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Physical flaws are external, visible imperfections or limitations (scars, disabilities, stutters) that can impact how a character interacts with the world and is perceived by others
• Psychological flaws are internal, mental, or emotional shortcomings (fear, jealousy, arrogance) that influence a character's thoughts, motivations, and behaviors
• Both physical and psychological flaws can be used to create depth, vulnerability, and challenges for characters in a story

Major vs minor flaws

• Major flaws are significant, often central to a character's arc, and have a profound impact on the story (addiction, betrayal, cowardice)
• Minor flaws are smaller, less consequential imperfections that add realism and nuance to a character without overshadowing their strengths (impatience, messiness)
• Balancing major and minor flaws helps create well-rounded, believable characters that audiences can connect with

Flaws as obstacles

• Character flaws can serve as internal obstacles, hindering characters from achieving their goals or making positive changes (self-doubt, stubbornness)
• Flaws can also create external obstacles by causing conflicts with other characters or leading to poor decisions that complicate the plot (dishonesty, impulsiveness)
• Overcoming or learning to manage flaws often becomes a key part of a character's growth arc and contributes to the story's tension and resolution

Purposes of character flaws

• In film writing, character flaws serve multiple purposes, from enhancing audience engagement to driving the narrative and themes of the story
• Flaws are essential tools for creating complex, dynamic characters that undergo meaningful growth and change throughout the story
• Understanding the different functions of character flaws can help writers effectively incorporate them into their scripts

Flaws for relatability

• Flaws make characters more human and relatable, allowing the audience to see aspects of themselves or people they know in the characters (insecurity, temper)
• Relatable flaws help the audience empathize with characters, even when they make mistakes or poor choices, keeping them invested in the character's journey
• Flaws can also make seemingly perfect or larger-than-life characters more accessible and grounded (Superman's vulnerability to Kryptonite)

Flaws to create conflict

• Character flaws often lead to internal conflicts, as characters struggle with their own shortcomings or contradictory desires (ambition vs. loyalty)
• Flaws can also create interpersonal conflicts between characters, as their weaknesses clash or cause misunderstandings (pride, jealousy)
• These conflicts, driven by character flaws, propel the story forward, raise the stakes, and keep the audience engaged

Flaws as growth opportunities

• Flaws provide opportunities for characters to learn, change, and grow throughout the story, giving them a compelling arc
• Characters often must confront and overcome their flaws to achieve their goals or become better versions of themselves (fear, selfishness)
• A character's journey to address their flaws can serve as a key source of thematic resonance and emotional satisfaction for the audience

Techniques for revealing flaws

• Effectively revealing character flaws is crucial for establishing believable, engaging characters and setting up their growth arcs
• In film writing, there are several techniques writers can use to introduce and explore character flaws, each with its own strengths and implications
• Combining multiple techniques can create a more comprehensive, nuanced portrayal of a character's flaws and their impact on the story

Flaws through dialogue

• A character's own words can reveal their flaws, either directly through admissions or indirectly through tone, word choice, or inconsistencies (boasting, lying, insensitive remarks)
• Dialogue between characters can expose flaws through confrontations, accusations, or observations about the character's behavior (pointing out hypocrisy, calling out mistakes)
• Subtext in dialogue can hint at deeper flaws or insecurities that a character may be trying to hide or compensate for (defensiveness, deflection)

Flaws via character actions

• A character's actions can demonstrate their flaws, as their choices and behaviors reflect their weaknesses or shortcomings (recklessness, avoidance, betrayal)
• Flaws revealed through actions often have direct consequences on the plot, creating obstacles or setbacks for the character or others (impulsive decisions, neglecting responsibilities)
• Repeated actions or patterns of behavior can underscore the significance of a character's flaws and their need for growth (consistently prioritizing work over family)

Flaws from other characters' perspectives

• Other characters' reactions, opinions, or criticisms can provide insight into a character's flaws, offering an external view of their weaknesses (frustration with a character's stubbornness, disappointment in their lack of growth)
• Contrasting a character's flaws with the strengths or values of other characters can highlight the extent or impact of their shortcomings (a honest character calling out another's deception)
• Seeing a character's flaws through the eyes of others can add depth and complexity to the character's portrayal and relationships (a mentor's concern for a character's self-destructive behavior)

Character growth arcs

• Character growth arcs are the transformative journeys characters undergo as they learn, change, and evolve throughout a story
• In film writing, growth arcs are essential for creating dynamic, engaging characters that audiences can invest in and root for
• There are different types of growth arcs, each with its own structure, challenges, and implications for the character and the story

Positive change arcs

• Positive change arcs involve characters overcoming their flaws, learning valuable lessons, and becoming better versions of themselves (a selfish character learning to put others first)
• These arcs often follow a hero's journey structure, with the character facing challenges, experiencing setbacks, and ultimately triumphing over their weaknesses
• Positive change arcs can be inspiring, emotionally satisfying, and thematically resonant, as they reflect the human capacity for growth and redemption

Negative change arcs

• Negative change arcs depict characters succumbing to their flaws, making poor choices, and becoming worse versions of themselves (a character's ambition leading to corruption)
• These arcs can serve as cautionary tales, exploring the consequences of unchecked weaknesses or the erosion of a character's morals and relationships
• Negative change arcs can be tragic, thought-provoking, and thematically complex, as they challenge audience expectations and provoke questions about human nature and society

Static growth arcs

• Static growth arcs portray characters who do not undergo significant internal change, but whose flaws and strengths are tested or reaffirmed throughout the story (a character's unwavering loyalty put to the test)
• These arcs can explore the consistency or rigidity of a character's beliefs, values, or personality traits in the face of external challenges or pressures
• Static growth arcs can be used to create steadfast, iconic characters or to contrast with the growth arcs of other characters in the story

Catalysts for character growth

• Catalysts are the events, experiences, or influences that trigger or accelerate a character's growth and transformation in a story
• In film writing, catalysts are crucial for propelling character arcs forward, creating turning points, and raising the stakes for the character's journey
• Different types of catalysts can be used to spark character growth, each with its own implications and impact on the story

Inciting incidents

• Inciting incidents are the events that disrupt a character's status quo and set their growth arc in motion (a life-changing diagnosis, a sudden job loss)
• These incidents often force characters to confront their flaws, question their beliefs, or face new challenges that require them to adapt and grow
• Inciting incidents can be positive or negative, but they always create a sense of urgency or necessity for the character to change

Low point experiences

• Low point experiences are the moments when characters hit rock bottom, facing the consequences of their flaws or the seeming impossibility of overcoming their obstacles (a character's lies catching up with them, a devastating failure)
• These experiences often serve as a wake-up call for characters, forcing them to reevaluate their choices, confront their weaknesses, and make difficult decisions to move forward
• Low points can be emotionally intense, but they also provide opportunities for characters to demonstrate resilience, learn valuable lessons, and begin the process of growth and redemption

Interpersonal influences on growth

• Interpersonal influences are the relationships, interactions, and conflicts with other characters that shape a character's growth and development (a mentor's guidance, a love interest's support, a rival's challenge)
• These influences can provide characters with new perspectives, emotional support, or motivation to confront their flaws and make positive changes
• Interpersonal influences can also create complications or obstacles for a character's growth, as they navigate complex dynamics and conflicting desires within their relationships

Pacing of growth

• Pacing refers to the speed and rhythm at which a character's growth and transformation unfold throughout a story
• In film writing, pacing is essential for creating a sense of progress, maintaining audience engagement, and ensuring that character arcs feel earned and believable
• Different pacing techniques can be used to structure and convey character growth, each with its own strengths and implications for the story

Gradual growth vs epiphanies

• Gradual growth involves a character's slow, steady progress towards overcoming their flaws and making positive changes over the course of the story (a character learning to trust others through multiple experiences)
• Epiphanies are sudden, dramatic moments of realization or transformation, often triggered by a significant event or revelation (a character's sudden decision to change their ways after a near-death experience)
• Balancing gradual growth with well-placed epiphanies can create a compelling, dynamic sense of character development that feels both realistic and emotionally satisfying

Setbacks in growth

• Setbacks are the obstacles, failures, or regressions that characters face as they work towards growth and transformation (a character relapsing into old habits, a misunderstanding that strains a relationship)
• These setbacks can create tension, raise the stakes, and test a character's commitment to change, making their eventual growth feel more earned and meaningful
• Setbacks can also provide opportunities for characters to learn from their mistakes, develop new strategies, or seek help from others, adding depth and complexity to their growth arcs

Earning character growth

• Earning character growth means ensuring that a character's transformation feels justified, believable, and proportionate to the challenges they have faced and the efforts they have made
• This involves establishing clear motivations, providing sufficient opportunities for growth, and showing the character's active role in their own development (a character's consistent efforts to overcome their fear, a demonstrated change in behavior over time)
• Earned growth creates a sense of emotional payoff and satisfaction for the audience, as they have witnessed the character's struggles and can appreciate the significance of their transformation

Resolving character flaws

• Resolving character flaws refers to the ways in which a character's weaknesses or shortcomings are addressed, overcome, or accepted by the end of the story
• In film writing, the resolution of character flaws is a crucial part of the character's arc, providing a sense of closure, growth, or change that ties into the story's themes and messages
• There are different approaches to resolving character flaws, each with its own implications and impact on the character and the story

Overcoming flaws completely

• Some characters may completely overcome their flaws by the end of the story, demonstrating a full transformation and triumph over their weaknesses (a cowardly character becoming brave, an addict achieving sobriety)
• This type of resolution can be inspiring and emotionally satisfying, as it reflects the human capacity for growth and the power of perseverance and self-improvement
• However, it is important to ensure that the character's complete victory over their flaws feels earned and believable, based on the challenges they have faced and the efforts they have made throughout the story

Learning to manage flaws

• Other characters may learn to manage or cope with their flaws, rather than eliminating them entirely (a character with anger issues learning to control their temper, a character with anxiety developing healthy coping mechanisms)
• This type of resolution acknowledges the ongoing nature of personal growth and the reality that some flaws or challenges may never fully disappear
• Learning to manage flaws can be a more realistic and relatable form of character development, as it reflects the continuous work and self-awareness required to navigate one's weaknesses and maintain positive change

Acceptance of certain flaws

• In some cases, characters may come to accept or embrace certain flaws as part of their identity, recognizing that these weaknesses are inseparable from their strengths or unique perspective (a character's stubbornness as a source of determination, a character's eccentricity as a mark of creativity)
• This type of resolution can be complex and thought-provoking, as it challenges the idea that all flaws must be eliminated or overcome for a character to grow and succeed
• Acceptance of flaws can also tie into themes of self-love, authenticity, and the celebration of diversity and imperfection

Thematic implications of growth

• Character growth and the resolution of flaws often tie into the larger themes and messages of a story, providing a deeper layer of meaning and resonance for the audience
• In film writing, exploring the thematic implications of character growth can elevate the story beyond individual arcs and create a more cohesive, impactful narrative
• Different approaches to character growth can convey different themes and ideas, each with its own potential for insight, reflection, and social commentary

Growth and theme alignment

• When a character's growth aligns with the central themes of the story, their arc becomes a powerful embodiment of the narrative's key messages and values (a character learning to forgive, in a story about the power of compassion)
• This alignment can create a sense of thematic unity and purpose, as the character's journey reflects and reinforces the story's larger ideas about human nature, society, or the human experience
• Growth that aligns with the theme can also provide a satisfying sense of resolution and meaning, as the character's transformation feels connected to something greater than themselves

Growth as cautionary tale

• In some cases, a character's growth (or lack thereof) can serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of unchecked flaws or the importance of learning from one's mistakes (a character's pride leading to their downfall, a character's refusal to change resulting in isolation)
• These stories can be thought-provoking and unsettling, as they challenge the audience to reflect on their own flaws and the potential dangers of failing to grow or adapt
• Cautionary tales can also serve as social commentary, critiquing harmful behaviors, attitudes, or systems that enable or encourage destructive patterns of character development

Lack of growth as commentary

• Sometimes, a character's lack of growth or inability to overcome their flaws can be used as a commentary on the limitations of individual change in the face of systemic or societal barriers (a character's efforts to escape poverty thwarted by discrimination, a character's attempts at self-improvement hindered by trauma)
• These stories can be complex and challenging, as they acknowledge the role of external factors in shaping character development and the difficulties of achieving growth in certain contexts
• A lack of growth can also serve as a critique of simplistic or idealistic notions of character transformation, recognizing that not all flaws can be easily resolved or that some challenges may be too deeply entrenched to overcome through individual effort alone